Please note, there is an intake to the 12-month full-time route each September and 18-month full-time route each January. The part-time route takes 2-3 years to complete and typically has intakes in both September and January.

Gain the skills and knowledge to work within the IT industry in the UK and beyond;

Develop a range of IT and personal skills and apply these to real life problems;

Benefit from a sustained period of practical work experience and greatly enhance your CV.

This Masters degree in Computing is for anyone who wants to study a wide-ranging and practical course in Computing.

You will learn practical skills of information security management, databases, programming, and project management, studying within an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment, gaining the practical skills and knowledge to embark on a career in IT.

You will benefit from the experience of highly qualified academics, whose research and engagement with the IT community informs and enhances their teaching.

In Depth

What will I study?

The programme provides advanced knowledge in the key aspects of computing and information systems. It will also help you to develop the critical interpersonal skills demanded of IT professionals.

Modules all have a practical element and use examples drawn from real-life IT projects. The emphasis is on giving you the skills to lead a project.

How will I study?

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, practical labs, tutorials, group exercises and a work placement. Classes are highly interactive with a focus on the practical application of concepts and the use of cases drawn from real life. An emphasis on small groups ensures that you will have plenty of opportunities for individual discussions with your tutors.

How will I be assessed?

Your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development will be assessed throughout the programme. This is achieved through a combination of coursework, case studies, problem-solving exercises and examinations. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics who research and regularly engage within the wider business and academic environment.

Staff specialise in a variety of subjects so you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience. The programme team is occasionally supplemented by external IT professionals who are invited to teach particular sessions relevant to their area of expertise.

A Great Study Environment

The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13m Technology Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science students.

Our modern computer laboratories are equipped with high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software.

There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory, a Harvard style lecture theatre, and ‘The Hatchery’, a working space for new business ideas.

Modules

CIS4114Research and Development Project (60 credits)

Research and Development Project provides experience of designing and executing a substantial project in a limited time, based on a project plan, employing practical skills, problem solving and underpinned by relevant research. You will apply and extend skills and knowledge learned in taught modules and demonstrate your competency to construct and complete a coherent project as a Computing professional.

Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

CIS4115Research Methods (20 credits)

Research Methods provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop a proposal for, and subsequently undertake, a research project at Masters level. You will engage with the essential considerations when analysing a problem and designing a solution. The module will also immerse you in data collection from the user, literature reviews, interface designs and project planning. On successful completion, you will have a well-formed proposal suitable for Masters level study.

Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

CIS4116Emerging Technologies (20 credits)

Emerging Technologies equips you with an advanced understanding of emerging technology and develops the appropriate skills to critically evaluate their suitability, impact and applicability to new scenarios. The module also strengthens your ability to identify and analyse ethical issues related to the use of new technology for both development and research purposes, including an overview of the professional and legal constraints within which computing specialists operate.

Assessment: Coursework: 80%, Practical(s): 20%.

CIS4124Information Security Management (20 credits)

Information Security Management outlines the process by which information assets are assessed in order to determine the threats and corresponding risks to those assets. The module also encompasses the methods required for controlling those risks, provides a systemic view of the process and encompasses legal compliance issues.

Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

CIS4126Project Management (20 credits)

Project Management provides an in-depth understanding of what project management involves. The module will equip you with an awareness that projects have to be managed effectively if they are to succeed and that project management is a complex activity and demands a professional approach. Emphasis is placed on the importance of project planning, monitoring and control in the management of large scale projects. The module not only explores the techniques which can be applied, and the tools which can be used, but also the ‘softer’ human factors which must be taken into account in managing large project teams such as people management and team leadership.

Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

CIS4127Databases and Data Modelling (20 credits)

Databases and Data Modelling introduces you to the fundamental concepts in database design. The module enables you to evaluate and apply the methodologies and techniques used in the development of modern databases. You will plan, design and implement a database application using a database management system, acquiring practical skills in database modelling, development and design, while gaining expertise in constructing SQL statements effectively to create, maintain, query and update relational databases.

Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

CIS4128Application Development with Java (20 credits)

Application Development with Java teaches the principles of object-oriented design and object-oriented programming using Java as the programming language. You will be introduced to object-oriented concepts, Java language basics, as well as some of the more advanced features of Java in order to demonstrate the power of object-oriented programs in solving complex software engineering problems. You will apply object-oriented design techniques as you create and run Java programs on multiple platforms.

Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

Timetables

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week. Postgraduate Computing courses are typically taught between 6pm-9pm on weekday evenings.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Entry Criteria

Entry Requirements

To join this MSc you should have a degree equivalent to UK second class honours (2:2 or above), comprising 50% or more of content in a computing discipline.

Equivalent knowledge gained in alternative ways, for example through professional experience or completion of BCS Professional Diploma in IT (Level 6), is also accepted for entry to this programme.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’).

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

The MSc Computing will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your interests for a career in IT. Your next step will depend on your background or career interests with Edge Hill University being committed not just to your education, but to enhancing your CV to improve your employability.

Finance

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are:

£5,220 for UK and EU students and £13,000 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2019/20;

£5,400 for UK and EU students and £13,250 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21 (pending confirmation of arrangements for EU students).

Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are:

£29 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2019/20, i.e. £580 per 20 credit module;

£30 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21, i.e. £600 per 20 credit module (pending confirmation of arrangements for EU students).

180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree.

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in part-time postgraduate tuition fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

Financial Support

For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University in academic year 2019/20, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2019/20 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2019.

Financial support arrangements for eligible UK and EU students joining postgraduate courses in academic year 2020/21 are still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Visit Us

If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to explore our full range of taught Masters degrees, MBA awards and our Masters by Research (MRes) degree before you apply, you can order a postgraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact: